Best Nintendo Switch Controller 2025

Enhance Your Nintendo Switch Gameplay with the Best Controllers: A Comprehensive Guide

Docking your Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED unlocks a world of enhanced gaming experiences with superior controllers. Beyond the Joy-Cons, ergonomic designs, larger controls, extra buttons, customization options, and unique features elevate your gameplay. This guide, based on extensive testing, presents top-tier Nintendo Switch controllers to suit diverse needs. Many are also compatible with PCs and handheld gaming PCs.

Top Picks:

1. GuliKit KingKong 3 Max: Our top pick. Hall effect sensors, swappable buttons, HD rumble, and remappable rear paddles provide an immersive, responsive experience. A strong contender to Nintendo's Pro Controller.

   • Pros: Hall effect joysticks and triggers, remappable paddles.
   • Cons: Slightly mushy AXBY buttons.
   • See it at Amazon

2. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: The official Nintendo controller. HD rumble, large buttons, tactile triggers, and a comfortable design with a long battery life (40 hours).

   • Pros: Official Nintendo product, excellent battery life.
   • Cons: Z triggers don't depress far.
   • See it at Amazon
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3. Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons: Essential for handheld and docked modes. Compact and easy for kids, but be aware of potential drift issues.

   • Pros: Essential for handheld mode, good for kids.
   • Cons: Prone to Joy-Con drift.
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4. Hori Split Pad Pro: Ergonomic handheld alternative to Joy-Cons with larger buttons and improved grip. Wired only.

   • Pros: Ergonomic design, larger buttons.
   • Cons: No wireless functionality.
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5. PowerA Fusion Pro: Highly customizable with rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and motion controls. No rumble.

   • Pros: Highly customizable.
   • Cons: Shorter battery life (20 hours).
   • See it at Amazon

6. 8BitDo Arcade Stick: Excellent budget-friendly fight stick with macro buttons, turbo function, and wireless connectivity (USB dongle or Bluetooth).

   • Pros: Wired or wireless, customizable.
   • Cons: Can be expensive compared to other options.
   • See it at Amazon

7. Nintendo GameCube Controller: Ideal for Super Smash Bros. Unique button layout enhances gameplay. Requires an adapter.

   • Pros: Classic design, optimized for Smash Bros.
   • Cons: Requires an adapter.
   • See it at Amazon

8. 8BitDo Pro 2: Retro aesthetic with modern features. Customizable profiles for various games and consoles.

   • Pros: Retro design, customizable profiles.
   • Cons: Lacks some Switch-specific features.
   • See it at Amazon

9. 8BitDo Ultimate: Customizable button mapping, swappable stick behavior, adjustable vibration, and two extra rear paddles.

   • Pros: Highly customizable, responsive buttons.
   • Cons: Design may not appeal to all users.
   • See it at Amazon
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10. Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: Affordable racing wheel and pedal set for immersive racing experiences.

    • Pros: Solid build, customizable controls.
    • Cons: Lacks force feedback.
    • See it at Amazon
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